Marijuana Charges Attorney Columbia, South Carolina

Whether you're a college student or you've been in the workforce for years, our law firm will protect your rights and be with you throughout the legal process

Marijuana charges in South Carolina might seem minor - and that might explain why many people don't take these drug charges seriously at first. They think the worst that can happen to them is they might get a small fine for possession of the drug, often referred to by many different names, including "pot," "weed" and "grass."

While some charges involving possession of marijuana are misdemeanors, other pot-related charges are classified as felonies, including manufacturing marijuana. You can face federal drug charges. No matter how they're categorized, marijuana charges can have very serious consequences. Attorney Matt Bodman provides experienced representation for all sorts of people in South Carolina facing marijuana charges, including college students.

If you are convicted of a crime for possession or distribution of marijuana, you could find yourself behind bars and fined hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances of your arrest. Your house, car and other assets might also be seized and confiscated by the government depending on your charges.

Is marijuana legal in South Carolina?

While many states around the country have passed legislation legalizing marijuana, South Carolina has traditionally taken a tough stance against people who violate state and federal marijuana laws.

However, state lawmakers in 2014 did take a small step toward legalizing marijuana. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley signed into law a bill that allows for the use of cannabis oil to treat children who suffer from severe epileptic seizures.

And later in 2014, lawmakers proposed legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. One proposal called for legalizing marijuana that is low in THC - the chemical ingredient that produces a high - for medical purposes. If South Carolina does so, it would become the 23^rd state nationwide to legalize medical marijuana.

What are different types of marijuana charges in South Carolina?

Some of the most common charges associated with marijuana in South Carolina include:

Simple Possession of Marijuana
Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
Trafficking Marijuana
Cultivating or Growing Marijuana

Whatever kind of marijuana charge you're confronting, make sure you have a lawyer on your side with a comprehensive understanding of South Carolina's constantly changing marijuana laws. Contact Matt Bodman, a Columbia, SC criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record of getting clients the results they need.

Why should I hire attorney Bodman to handle my marijuana charge?

Columbia lawyer, Matt Bodman, P.A., has extensive experience defending and protecting the interests of people charged with marijuana charges. He has been handling criminal matters in South Carolina for nearly 20 years, first as an assistant solicitor and now as a defense attorney. By working on both sides of the courtroom, Bodman knows the tactics prosecutors often use to try to obtain convictions.

Attorney Bodman knows what evidence to look for and how to transform that information into a compelling legal case. He carefully reviews arrest records to make sure police officers followed the correct procedures. He consults with investigators, and he's not afraid to go to trial if necessary.

"Everyone deserves the best defense," Bodman said. "If you have been charged with a marijuana-related crime, give your case the attention it rightfully deserves."

Possession of marijuana in South Carolina is classified as a misdemeanor in most cases. If you are convicted of possession of marijuana (less than one ounce), the penalty for the first offense is a $650 fine and up to 30 days in jail. For the second and all subsequent offenses, the penalty is more than a $1,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail.

However, there are often ways to avoid convictions or minimize consequences for these cases. Do not just throw your rights away. Call Matt Bodman to see what he can do for you.

In addition, the penalties could be steeper if your arrest occurs while you are operating a motor vehicle. If you are driving under the influence of marijuana, you could face other charges. For more information, read the DUI defense section of our website or simply contact us.

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Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana

This is a much more serious crime with more serious consequences than simple possession. The state classifies possession with intent as a felony. Many different factors can affect this charge, such as the weight of the marijuana and someone's prior record, if any.

Such changes apply to anyone arrested for possessing more than 1 ounce but less than 10 pounds of marijuana. The penalty for attempting to distribute this amount of marijuana in South Carolina: Up to a $5,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison.

If someone is arrested with this amount of marijuana within half a mile of a school or public park, the fine increases to $10,000 along with up to 10 years in prison. The same penalty guidelines apply to anyone who sells marijuana to a minor.

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Trafficking Marijuana

Trafficking is a felony charge that involves the transportation or distribution of more than 10 pounds of marijuana. The penalties vary and can be more severe depending on the quantity of marijuana. The penalties for trafficking marijuana in South Carolina are:

10 to 100 pounds (First Offense) - Up to $10,000 fine and 1 to 10 years in prison
10 to 100 pounds (Second Offense) - Up to $25,000 fine and 5-20 years in prison
10 to 100 pounds (Third Offense) - Up to $25,000 fine and 25 years in prison
100 to 2,000 pounds - Up to $25,000 fine and 25 years in prison
2,000 to 10,000 pounds - Up to $50,000 fine and 25 years in prison
More than 10,000 pounds - Up to $200,000 fine and 25 years in prison

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Cultivating or Growing Marijuana

Manufacturing of marijuana is a felony in South Carolina that carries stiff penalties for anyone convicted of this charge. The sentencing guidelines vary according to the number of marijuana plants seized during an arrest. The penalties for manufacturing marijuana in South Carolina are:

Less than 100 plants - Up to $5,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison
100 to 1,000 plants - Up to $25,000 fine and 25 years in prison
1,000 to 10,000 plants - Up to $50,000 fine and 25 years in prison
More than 10,000 plants - Up to $200,000 fine and 25 years in prison

If you have been charged with manufacturing of marijuana, it's critical that you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, fighting for your rights. Attorney Bodman can work with you and help you build a strong case. You have too much at risk to try to tackle your marijuana manufacturing case on your own.

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